How can you help?

Desire to help
The natural human response to a catastrophe, particularly for members and friends of an organisation founded to help "our lords the sick and the poor", is to want to roll up our sleeves and help.

In the field of humanitarian aid and disaster relief, this is not always as straightforward as it sounds - well-intentioned but unskilled or uncoordinated efforts can and do actually make things worse by putting additional burdens on infrastructure, supplying unwanted commodities which get in the way or need to be destroyed, obstructing local efforts to restore permanent local capacity, and potentially accidentally compounding the trauma for survivors.

Trained volunteers required
The critical burden of disaster relief will always best be borne by comprehensively trained and certified full-time professionals in the field. Emerging global standards in the arena require the highest levels of professionalism (Malteser International subscribes to the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Code of Conduct and the Sphere Project standards), and the international aid community actively discourages untrained volunteers from appearing at disaster scenes.

Financial contributions quickly make a difference
As was clearly illustrated by phenomenal public generosity in the recent tsunami disaster, the urge to help is often best served by sending financial resources to an organisation well placed to help. Fungible money can be quickly directed as needed to purchase only those supplies most urgently needed, and employ as much local labour as possible, which also contributes to local economic recovery.

In addition to direct financial assistance, in the finest tradition of the Order it is possible, and indeed desirable, for interested members and friends to help by devoting their time, talent and treasure. To be of constructive use, however, meticulous planning, careful training and the ability to fill an express need are all critical components.

Opportunities to learn and contribute
Over the coming few years, as Malteser International establishes a US operation, interested members and friends of the Order will have the opportunity to:

• learn more about the global activities of Malteser International
• investigate the various roles through which humanitarian aid is provided (e.g. medicine, logistics, planning and administration, finance)
• study the key topics and issues in global humanitarian aid
• meet and hear from Malteser International colleagues with direct aid experience
• participate in a rigorous training program, both at home and in the field, in theoretical and practical skills

It is our hope that as we develop an American corps of supporters of the global efforts of Malteser International, a subset of those with time and skills to help "on the ground" will emerge. In the mean time, those with an interest in the area of humanitarian aid, and support for the long term goal of creating partnerships in the Americas which allow us to take a more active role in assisting in crises in our own region, should register their interest in staying informed.

Members of the Order of Malta and supportive friends can help

• sign up to receive a regular e-newsletter covering the global activities of Malteser International, the establishment of a US operation, and opportunities for more involvement; and
• participate in a skills inventory which will soon be undertaken, allowing Malteser International to understand the number and types of relevant skills (e.g. medical, logistical, financial, language) that already exist among those willing to help

To sign up for the newsletter (and therefore be informed of the skills inventory), please send a brief e-mail with your contact details to : Malteser@OrderofMaltaUSAWestern.org